The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has begun releasing the TSC promotion interview results for the 34,016 advertised vacancies. Candidates who sat interviews in September should check the published lists by TSC using their TSC numbers and expect formal letters if successful; official communication is scheduled to be completed by Friday, November 20, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Results window: Final communication to candidates runs to November 20, 2026.
- Scale of exercise: 34,016 vacancies advertised with a Ksh 2 billion allocation; about 126,000 applications were received and 78,732 were shortlisted.
- Readvertisement: 1,631 slots were readvertised after the promotion rule was changed from three to two years’ service in grade.
- Next steps if successful: Read the promotion letter, accept the offer within 30 days (Regulation 81), and prepare for possible deployment from January 2027.
Overview of the release
The promotion exercise covered job groups C2 to D4 across primary, junior and secondary schools, plus Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs). TSC circulated Circular No. 13/2026 to guide the process through the 2026/2027 financial year. The Commission will publish approved lists using TSC numbers — not names — so teachers must have their numbers ready when checking.
Interviews and the scale of competition
Interviews were held in September in two batches: primary teachers from September 8–15 and post-primary (secondary and TTCs, including Curriculum Support Officers) from September 17–25. The exercise attracted roughly 126,000 applications, with 78,732 candidates shortlisted and invited to interviews. Competition was intense because the number of applicants greatly exceeded the 34,016 promotion slots.
Why 1,631 slots were readvertised
TSC readvertised 1,631 promotion slots after many posts attracted too few qualified applicants under the initial Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) rule requiring three years in grade. Following feedback and pressure—particularly from P1 teachers deployed to junior schools—the Commission lowered the requirement to two years. The readvertised posts include Deputy Principal III (Advert No. 108/2026), Senior Master I (Advert No. 109/2026) and Deputy Headteacher II (Advert No. 110/2026), the last accounting for the majority of readvertised vacancies.
How to check TSC promotion interview results
To verify your status:
- Visit the official TSC website and search the promotion lists using your TSC number.
- Check your Teachers Online Services account and any messages from county or sub-county offices.
- Remember that being shortlisted or interviewed does not equal promotion; only inclusion on the Board-approved list and receipt of a formal promotion letter confirm selection.
Selection criteria and approvals
Selection is merit-based and uses interview scores combined with constitutional requirements such as gender balance, regional representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Scoring covers academic and professional qualifications, length of service in the current grade, performance appraisal, professional contributions and administrative responsibility. For senior roles, leadership experience and time in grade carry significant weight (for example, administrative responsibility and length of stay together account for 50 marks for Deputy Principal I and 55 marks for Deputy Headteacher I).
What to do after the results
If your TSC number appears on the approved list:
- Read the promotion letter carefully: It sets out the terms of appointment, reporting dates and any specific instructions.
- Accept within 30 days: Under Regulation 81 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015) an offer lapses if not accepted in time.
- Prepare for deployment: Promotion may involve posting to a different school or county depending on vacancies and staffing needs; heads and deputies are frequently posted outside their sub-counties.
- Keep records updated: The Commission can review, correct or revoke appointments where there are material errors or irregularities.
Important dates and next steps
Although results are being released in November 2026, most promoted teachers are expected to be deployed from January 2027 within the 2026/2027 financial year (ending June 30, 2027). Management must submit an exit report on the exercise to the TSC Board by January 27, 2027.
Avoiding fraud and using digital systems
TSC warns candidates against paying anyone who promises to influence or speed up promotions. The exercise is free of charge, and offering or paying bribes can lead to disqualification. Suspected fraud should be reported to the Director of Staffing, the nearest TSC office or the police.
To streamline future processes, TSC plans greater integration of digital platforms including the Teachers Online Services portal, Teacher Promotion Module, TMIS/HRMIS and modules for posting, documents, TPAD and leave management. Better automation should reduce manual bottlenecks and improve accuracy of personnel records.
Resources and preparation
While waiting for formal letters, teachers can use available curriculum and exam resources to prepare for new roles or leadership responsibilities. Useful materials include CBC lesson plans for classroom guidance, KCSE revision exams for senior school assessment preparation, and Grade 10 curriculum designs for senior school curriculum planning.
The bottom line: Check official TSC channels for the published promotion lists, have your TSC number ready, and act quickly if offered promotion—accept within 30 days and be ready for possible deployment from January 2027.
